2 answers
Toocara
Student
Luverne, Alabama
1
Question
Asked
128 views
What can I expect from college, and how can I mentally(and physically) prepare?
I'm a high school senior who plans to major in secondary education! I am taking a class called "Foundations of Education" to better prepare myself! I'm going to a smaller private institution but I still want to be prepared for what's to come.
Login to comment
2 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would go on a campus tour, for each college, to determine if the college (you are applying for admission to) is a right fit, and spend some time on campus getting to know the geography and where everything is located. These can usually be schedule through the college websites.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially important information, like on where to find and utilize campus resources, academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus. The students who are the most comfortable with the campus environment, seem to be the ones who persist and experience less adversity, because they know where to find the resources they need to help them resolve their problems.
I have observed many students, (who never toured the campus or its environment), who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, departmental academic advisors and college staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially important information, like on where to find and utilize campus resources, academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus. The students who are the most comfortable with the campus environment, seem to be the ones who persist and experience less adversity, because they know where to find the resources they need to help them resolve their problems.
I have observed many students, (who never toured the campus or its environment), who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, departmental academic advisors and college staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
Keith Topinka
Compliance
6
Answers
Morris Plains, New Jersey
Updated
Keith’s Answer
My suggestion is to know yourself. Know what you like and don't like. College will be a change from what you are used to. There is more independence for you. You will need to solve your own problems and can't always rely on your parents.
Also, you need to be open to different experiences and people. Not everyone has the same interests, looks the same or does the same thing.
Overall, I would say get comfortable with the uncomfortable. There will be a lot of changes to adjust to, so be ready to challenge yourself!
Also, you need to be open to different experiences and people. Not everyone has the same interests, looks the same or does the same thing.
Overall, I would say get comfortable with the uncomfortable. There will be a lot of changes to adjust to, so be ready to challenge yourself!